Oral presentation: Jordy van der Beek

The Caribbean is a major travel hub; however, the millions of annual visitors increase the risk of introducing pathogens to local mosquito populations. Despite this, fundamental information on mosquito diversity is lacking for many of the Caribbean islands. The absence of species distribution data and ecological understanding hampers risk assessment and complicates vector control, particularly for non-urban species.

To address this knowledge gap for the Dutch Caribbean, we conducted a four-week snapshot survey on the islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. Our team included researchers from several Dutch institutes, local vector control units, and representatives of the local Natural Park authorities. Together, we collected almost 400 adult and larval samples across the three islands.

This effort doubled the number of known mosquito species on the islands, including vectors not previously recorded on the islands, such as the malaria vector Anopheles aquasalis and the arbovirus vector Aedes scapularis. These data allowed us to revise species taxonomy and construct identification keys for all life stages.

Using the new distribution data, we created high-resolution ecological niche models to assess mosquito distribution patterns and link these to environmental preferences. Additionally, phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses clarified population genetics and connectivity between islands.

Our results have filled significant gaps in knowledge regarding mosquito distribution in the Dutch Caribbean. This provides data for local vector control teams and researchers to effectively monitor, study and manage mosquito populations, while establishing a baseline for improved public and veterinary health risk analyses when diseases (re)emerge.